Outward

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 13,807 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Outward Game Cover
An ambitious game that punches above its weight with unique RPG systems, survival mechanics and co-op support - and a lot of heart.
Starting at $6.74Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on Epic Games Store Get on PS Store

"Outward Definitive Edition" is the ultimate experience for Outward players, combining new mechanics and features from the base game and both DLCs, "The Soroboreans" and "The Three Brothers," for a fresh adventure. The game offers a challenging RPG experience with survival gameplay, where you'll face threatening creatures, harsh environmental conditions, and infectious diseases as an ordinary adventurer. This definitive edition includes quality of life improvements, new weapons, and dungeons for an immersive and rewarding journey.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 13,807 reviews
story527 positive mentions
grinding603 negative mentions
  • story3,693 mentions

    The story in "Outward" is often described as minimal and lacking depth, primarily serving as a backdrop for exploration rather than a central focus. Players can choose from three main faction storylines, each consisting of only a few quests, which can lead to a sense of repetitiveness and limited engagement. While the game features interesting lore and environmental storytelling, many reviewers express frustration with the lack of quest markers, vague objectives, and the consequences of failing timed quests, which can permanently alter the game world. Overall, the narrative is seen as a weak point, with players encouraged to create their own stories through exploration and gameplay rather than relying on a compelling plot.

    • “The story is lean but thoughtful.”
    • “The story is interesting, however.”
    • “The story is much, much richer than you first realize.”
    • “The main story is just around 7 rather simple quests, 3 of which are really just 'starting quests'.”
    • “Eh, there's no real story so far, just fetch quests that are loosely related and lame, and I refuse to sink any more of my time into this failed... whatever this was supposed to be.”
    • “The story is very blah.”
  • gameplay2,814 mentions

    The gameplay of "Outward" is characterized by its challenging survival mechanics, which require players to manage hunger, thirst, and temperature while navigating a vast open world. Combat mechanics draw comparisons to the "Dark Souls" series, emphasizing strategic planning and preparation over brute force, though many players find them clunky and frustrating. While the game offers a unique blend of RPG elements and survival challenges, it suffers from a steep learning curve and a lack of clear guidance, leading to mixed reviews regarding its overall enjoyment and accessibility.

    • “The gameplay is simple but still fun; the survival aspect blends very well with the combat, trading can be lucrative and fun, cooking is nice, and building (late game) is simple but neat.”
    • “The unique blend of action combat and survival mechanics is something I have never played before.”
    • “The survival mechanics are well designed; they are unobtrusive while still feeling important.”
    • “The survival mechanics are basic and honestly frustrating, making the gameplay tedious.”
    • “The combat mechanics are clunky and a lot of the menus and layouts for navigating the mechanics of this game are not the most streamlined, which keeps one from actually being immersed in the otherwise interesting digital landscape your character is exploring.”
    • “The gameplay is riddled with tedious survival mechanics that do not enhance the experience, making it feel like a chore rather than an adventure.”
  • graphics1,378 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they appear dated, often likening them to titles from the early 2000s or even earlier. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and artistic style, others criticize the character models and overall visual fidelity, describing them as unpolished and lacking in detail. Despite these criticisms, many players find the game's environments and aesthetic appealing, suggesting that the graphics do not detract significantly from the overall gameplay experience.

    • “The character models are a little ugly, but the visuals of the landmarks, armor, weapons, magic, and enemies all enthrall you into an enchanted world that is unforgiving until you learn how to tame it.”
    • “The graphics are not top of the line but they're pretty enough to enjoy.”
    • “The graphics are great, even on my dinky laptop (Dell XPS 13 9350, Intel Core i5-6200U @ ~2.4GHz, 128 MB VRAM).”
    • “The graphics are abysmal, especially for 2019 standards, and even with terrible graphics it doesn’t run particularly well.”
    • “The graphics look like something from 2005 and you can't jump... not worth the money.”
    • “The graphics are very dated like mount and blade warband kind of dated, the controls are very dated too and unresponsive which is kind of a shame for a game that tries so hard to be dark souls when it comes to combat.”
  • music653 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many players praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the sense of adventure. However, several reviews note that the soundtrack can become repetitive due to a limited number of tracks, leading to a desire for more variety. Overall, while the music is often described as fantastic and immersive, its repetitiveness can detract from the experience during extended play sessions.

    • “The music is absolutely fantastic!”
    • “The world is beautiful and the soundtrack to go along with it is spectacular.”
    • “The music ebbs and flows with the landscapes, perfectly encapsulating the essence of adventure.”
    • “The soundtrack is boring and often doesn't fit the level, killing the atmosphere (a city with corpses on gallows shouldn't have happy-go-lucky fantasy music).”
    • “The music is very repetitive; I can count the number of tracks on one hand.”
    • “The only saving grace is the music score; the composer was the only person who knew what he was doing, but alas, good music alone can't make a game good.”
  • grinding619 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as tedious, frustrating, and often unfulfilling. While some appreciate the challenge and depth it adds to the gameplay, the lack of fast travel, clunky combat mechanics, and excessive backtracking contribute to a sense of monotony and wasted time, making the experience feel more like a chore than an engaging adventure. Overall, the game appeals primarily to those who enjoy grind-heavy mechanics, but many players find it excessively tedious and unenjoyable.

    • “If you're interested in trying Outward, just understand the game actually has no grinding besides the accumulation of personal skill and knowledge, and that the early game without those will be rough.”
    • “Gives much more freedom than a bigger game, and also there is no grinding for creatures for loot or experience, which I am happy about.”
    • “It isn't as tedious as most survival games, which gives the game a nice mix of survival and RPG.”
    • “I can't stand it when core game design is locked behind a tedious, excruciatingly painful process such as what is featured in this game.”
    • “In general, if this is your kind of thing, you’ll like it, but otherwise, it’s not a game; it’s just pointless grinding and time wasting.”
    • “The game becomes extremely tedious after 5-10 hours to the point of being unplayable in my opinion.”
  • stability336 mentions

    The game's stability is a significant concern among players, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that can severely disrupt gameplay. While some users note that the game runs well on certain systems and can be enjoyable despite its flaws, the overall consensus is that the game is riddled with issues that detract from the experience, particularly in multiplayer modes. Many recommend caution, especially for those looking to play cooperatively, as the glitches can lead to lost progress and frustrating gameplay.

    • “Multiplayer is surprisingly not buggy and it's hilarious to watch your friends get the shit kicked out of them.”
    • “Runs great on aging hardware and network stability is excellent.”
    • “The game runs very smoothly and released fairly relatively bug free; by the way, I currently have 19 hours into the game and many more to come.”
    • “Game-breaking glitches and bugged-out encounters can just destroy all your progress permanently, wasting your time and killing the enjoyment you might otherwise derive from it.”
    • “Too many terrible design choices and buggy events.”
    • “Despite this, unfortunately, there are too many gameplay flaws that lead it to be a beautiful unfinished game: the combat system, bugs, game-breaking glitches, etc. It could have been a masterpiece of the genre, but sadly it came out very incomplete.”
  • optimization192 mentions

    The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe stuttering, frame drops, and input lag, making it difficult to enjoy the gameplay. While some users noted decent performance on high-end systems, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly in multiplayer modes, leading to frequent disconnects and frustrating gameplay experiences. Despite occasional praise for graphics and performance on specific setups, the persistent issues with optimization detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The game is nicely optimized, which means it runs smoothly on high graphics settings (considering you have a good performing PC).”
    • “The game runs fairly smoothly on my rather old computer, so you can expect decent performance on most machines with minimal frame drops and semi-long loading screens.”
    • “Game is very optimized even when playing split screen with my bro (I appreciate that).”
    • “However, the game is pretty much incomplete, non-optimized, and abandoned.”
    • “The performance is bad enough to make it unplayable for me.”
    • “This game has some of the worst optimization I have ever encountered.”
  • replayability185 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse character builds, multiple factions, and unique storylines, encouraging players to start new characters to explore different paths and experiences. The inclusion of a legacy system allows players to carry over items to new playthroughs, enhancing the replay value further. However, some players note that the limited number of areas and the necessity to restart for each faction can detract from the overall experience.

    • “Has replayability and a legacy chest, so you can keep some items for new game and some items become better from being in the chest for your next playthrough.”
    • “The multiple factions and good variety of viable skill trees and builds offer great replay value as well!”
    • “The game is designed for replayability, with a 'legacy' system that allows items to be passed on to new characters as an upgraded version, and the fact that the game has 3 major paths for the story along with multiple ways to complete minor quests.”
    • “The replay value just isn't there, but it is a game you regret not playing.”
    • “If you are looking for a game with replayability, this may not be the game for you.”
    • “The main story is buried behind faction quests, seemingly in a vague attempt to give the game more replayability, which only causes the game to feel even less flexible than it already is, ironically.”
  • atmosphere154 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, stunning landscapes, and a unique blend of cozy and foreboding elements that evoke a strong sense of adventure. While some critiques mention issues with the soundtrack and NPC interactions, many players find the overall ambiance, sound design, and environmental details to be captivating and reminiscent of classic RPGs. Overall, the game successfully creates a rich, atmospheric experience that enhances exploration and engagement.

    • “The stunning landscapes, seasonal weather systems, and immersive atmosphere evoke a strong sense of wonder, reminiscent of my early days in Tamriel.”
    • “The game's sound design is equally impressive, with atmospheric music and immersive sound effects that draw players deeper into the world.”
    • “The atmosphere is a unique combination of cozy and terrifying.”
    • “The soundtrack is boring and often doesn't fit the level, killing the atmosphere (a city with corpses on gallows shouldn't have happy-go-lucky fantasy music).”
    • “There's barely anything to interact with, NPCs are virtually non-existent outside the safe zones (and are generic and lifeless inside them), and for a fantasy RPG seems horribly lacking in terms of lore and atmosphere (at least initially it's got nothing).”
    • “Firstly, graphically speaking this game looks disgusting, the color palette is this drab, gritty, depressing mixture of different themes. It's going for the traditional fantasy look but then has jarring pieces of advanced technology that ruin the atmosphere completely.”
  • humor94 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently noting its comedic dialogue, absurd situations, and the hilarity of character interactions and failures. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment derived from cooperative play, where the game's flaws become sources of laughter, such as janky mechanics and unexpected deaths. Overall, while the game has its share of issues, its humor—often described as "hilariously bad"—adds a unique charm that keeps players entertained.

    • “It has good humor, a soundtrack that matches the gameplay, and it will quickly immerse you into the world.”
    • “Between my 'Leeroy Jenkins' attitude and his very cautious, passive style, it has led to some very humorous times!”
    • “The writing is good, and at some points amazingly witty, leaving me and my friend laughing for minutes at a time without end!”
    • “So much content it's not funny... there's a handful of monsters that spawn reliably in the same areas, a lack of story overall, and that's really it.”
  • emotional50 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from deep engagement and heart-wrenching moments to frustration and disappointment. Players appreciate the unique experiences and emotional depth in character interactions and storytelling, often feeling a strong connection to the game's world and its mechanics. However, some also express dissatisfaction with clunky gameplay and a lack of narrative cohesion, leading to feelings of emptiness and irritation, which detracts from the overall emotional experience.

    • “I watched this man's food be stolen by the OP; it was horrific. I cried, he cried, we all cried.”
    • “Playing this game is a distinctly emotional experience, as the cycle of love and hate becomes synonymous with progression.”
    • “It's heart-wrenching in dangerous times, beautiful and scenic when walking around, and even if the dialogue is half-assed with the voice actors, it's such a good game that it doesn't matter.”
    • “Not like these fake linear AAA games just full of vanity, boring story, and a lot of graphic elements while there are 0 chances to role-play such a bland character.”
    • “No instructions, boring storyline, no 'call to action,' and frankly extremely dated graphics.”
    • “Boring story, clunky mechanics, and way too punishing to have fun with it.”
  • character development40 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting limited customization options and a lack of depth in character progression. While some appreciate the organic and exploratory aspects of character development, others criticize the poor design choices and uninspiring combat that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers a basic framework for character development but falls short in delivering a compelling narrative or diverse character options.

    • “Loved the character development, too, where many skills are available to everyone.”
    • “Each faction has its own storyline, which intersects with the others at pivotal moments, but gets their own unique moments and character developments.”
    • “This game encourages organic character development, experimentation, and intense exploration.”
    • “This is not a deep story-based RPG, nor is it a grand exercise in character development.”
    • “Slow-paced game, poor combat system, no character development or leveling system.”
    • “Horrible design choices, uninspiring combat, failed character development process, limited exploration, crummy crafting, poorly utilized buff/debuff system, stamina system that affects only you, and a confusing quest system featuring a bad story with even worse DLC.”
  • monetization21 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its lack of microtransactions, loot boxes, and ads, highlighting a return to a more traditional gaming experience. However, others criticize it as a cash grab, feeling that the game was released prematurely and that the high price for additional content is unjustified given the game's issues. Overall, while some appreciate the absence of exploitative monetization practices, others feel the game still falls short in delivering value for its cost.

    • “No BS DLCs/microtransactions, just the full game for one price as well.”
    • “This game has no pay to win, no microtransactions, no loot boxes, no battle pass, and no ads. Yes, paid games are now having ads; look at Street Fighter V’s latest botch up.”
    • “No handholding, no forced tutorials, no microtransactions, and an interesting and surreal world, where you really have to dig deep to understand what's around you - the landscape itself tells a story, if you pay attention.”
    • “Overall, it is my opinion that this game was released too soon and possibly used by the publisher as a cash grab to capitalize on the grassroots excitement of the game.”
    • “Just the fact that the price tag is so high for the new content and there are so many restrictions on accessing it, as well as all the oversights and issues that have gone intentionally ignored and unresolved, is a bold move and clearly shows that they are simply scheming for monetization.”
    • “This game is a cash grab, not worth its price, and barely worthwhile at all.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Outward

Play time

21hMedian play time
35hAverage play time
8-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 190 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News